Best Rides for School Aged Kids at Magic Kingdom in Disney World

What are the best rides for kids at Magic Kingdom?

Specifically, what are the best rides for kids in elementary school? There is a lot to do at Disney for the elementary-school-aged crowd, but here we suggest which rides are the best rides at Disney World in the Magic Kingdom for school-aged kids.

First of all, be sure to measure your kiddo before your trip so you are prepared with regards to height requirements to avoid disappointments. Minimum heights vary from ride to ride and are listed below. Going to Epcot? Try these rides out with your school-aged kids.

1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride

Height Requirement 38 inches

Heigh ho! Heigh ho! Into the mines we go… This is one of the newest rides at Magic Kingdom and it is a popular ride with school-aged kids. Get a FastPass for this one. Ride through the darkness of the 7 Dwarfs’ mine, where a million diamonds shine! This family coaster will also take you through great mountain scenery. Please note, this ride goes fast! Recommended for older school age kids (7 and older).

2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

No Height Requirement

This ride lets you compete against the other riders in your car shooting laser cannons at targets. It is a fun competition for kids and adults! Find it in Tomorrowland. A FastPass is recommended. Want to be the winner in your party? Check out our tips for how to win this game! Recommended for all school age kids.

3. Splash Mountain

Height Requirement 40 inches

Located in Frontierland, this roller coaster ends with a splash, so be prepared! The front of the car will get soaked. Bring an extra pair of socks and change of clothes if being damp will bother your kiddo. A FastPass is useful. Recommended for older school age kids (7 and up).

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Height Requirement 40 inches

This is a roller coaster, but the drops are not as dramatic as some other coasters at Disney World. It can be a good way to introduce kids to roller coasters. There are portions that are pitch-dark. Big Thunder is in Frontierland. If your kids need to burn off some energy, you can try to find a paintbrush in the open play area of Tom Sawyer’s island that will earn you a free FastPass to Big Thunder or to Splash Mountain!

5. Space Mountain

Height Requirement 44 inches

Space Mountain is a dark roller-coaster with lots of drops. It is a Disney World classic that even the oldest visitors to Disney World may remember from trips gone by. Still a fan favorite, this ride can be scary, so we encourage checking it out on YouTube to see if you think it would be too much for your clan. That said, there are some bragging rights associated with braving all the coasters for the thrill seekers! Recommended for older school age kids (7 and up).

6. Haunted Mansion

No Height Requirement

This is one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom for school-aged kids. Riders board a “doom buggy” to take a spooky 8 minute ride narrated by a “ghost host.” The older-than-preschool love it after getting over any initial apprehension. It is considered by many age groups to be one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom. Watch out for hitchhiking ghosts!

7. Tomorrowland Speedway

Height Requirement 54 inches for Drivers, 32 inches for Riders

This ride is popular because with school-aged kids at Magic Kingdom because they get to drive! The cars are on a rail that drivers often bounce around on throughout the .4 mile track. Cars have a max speed of 7 mph. It is a bit dated, but getting to drive thrills the youngest kiddos. Recommended for ages 5+.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean

No Height Requirement

Pirates is an option in Adventureland for some swashbuckling fun and exciting surprises. Pyrotechnics and cannon battles are just a taste of the fun on this ride. Johnny Depp has even been known to put on his Capt. Jack Sparrow costume and hide inside the jail scene!

What are your favorite rides at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments?